Preparing for another storm

February 22, 2013

According to the National Weather Service, Iron Mountain-Kingsford will receive one to three inches of snow today, and another inch tonight.

Meanwhile in neighboring Wisconsin, a winter weather advisory in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. today in Marinette and Florence counties, along with Onieda and Forest counties. Those areas could get up to six inches of snow.

The winter weather advisory is also in effect in western Menominee County and western Delta County.

As powerful winter storms continue to develop in the Central U.S., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages everyone to get ready now to weather the storm for at least three days by having all the supplies you and your family need on hand.

"Snow and ice storms can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It's important to know your risk, have a plan and put it into action when confronted with severe weather," said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III.

To protect your family and prevent damages, the Federal Emergency Management Agency offers these tips:

- Create an emergency supply kit that includes a three-day supply of food and water for each person, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, and any items to meet the unique needs of your family.

Make sure to also put together a winter survival kit for the time you spend on the road. Don't run the risk of being stranded in your vehicle without proper emergency equipment and supplies.

To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:

- Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

- Sand to improve traction.

- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

- Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). Be alert to changing weather conditions.

"Most of Wisconsin has been fortunate to experience a relatively normal winter, but we have had driving challenges this season with large snowfalls, sleet, freezing rain and warmer than average temperatures which have created foggy conditions," said Nickel. "We all need to be on alert for winter road hazards that can injure our loved ones or cause damage to our vehicles."

Road hazards can include icy roads and limited visibility during snowstorms. Drivers should also be on the lookout for animals, such as deer running across the road, and other drivers. When the snow piles up, cars become sliding targets and ditches can become magnets. Black ice is an especially dangerous road hazard that can occur anywhere.

Nickel offers these tips: "Always maintain a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you. Use care and drive slowly enough for conditions. Check road conditions (at www.dot.wisconsin.gov) and if the environment is threatening, consider staying home and waiting for better road conditions. If you must go out, be prepared."

Nickel also suggests that vehicles should be equipped with an emergency road kit, warm clothes, blankets, and a fully charged cell phone.

This is also the time to review your automobile insurance policy for any limitations in coverage. For example, consumers who carry collision auto insurance without comprehensive coverage are not covered in the event of damage to vehicles as a result of hail, wind or flooding. Additionally, make sure your coverage is adequate for your insurance needs.

If you are in an automobile accident, remember the following tips:

- Call the police.

- Obtain information such as the names, addresses, telephone numbers and license numbers of all persons involved in the accident, as well as all witnesses.

- Record the time, date, location, road conditions, make and year of the vehicles involved, insurance information, apparent damage and injuries and your version of what happened. If you can, take pictures with a cell phone camera.

- Call your insurance agent. Make sure to have your policy number and other relevant information on hand. Also be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company and ask your agent what documents, forms and data you'll need to file a claim.

- Take notes each time you talk to your insurance company, agent, lawyers, police or anyone else involved in the situation. Write down dates, times, names and what you talked about, as well as any decisions or promises made.

- Save any receipts and bills, including those from a car rental or hotel room if the automobile accident happens outside of your town.

To avoid accidents, make sure you plan your travels and check the latest weather reports to avoid any storms.